The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive end Brett Keisel are on the verge of a new contract. Following the Heath Miller signing, Keisel became the Steelers top priority.
Negotiations began a week into training camp. An announcement is expected to be made this week, possibly as early as this afternoon.
Steelers insider Ed Bouchette reports, the deal will be a five year deal.
Early indications are Keisel will receive $6-$7 million in guarantees.
Keisel who is Ben Roethlisberger’s best friend off the field, had 41 tackles in 10 regular season games last season. Keisel also added 5 tackles (4 solo) in Super Bowl XLIII.
Among the strongest backers in re-signing Keisel has been head coach Mike Tomlin.
With Keisel on the verge of being locked up, the Steelers are done until after the 2009 season. The team is not engaged in talks with Casey Hampton or running back Willie Parker. None on the horizon either.
Kicker Jeff Reed will likely be franchised following the season.
The team opened talks with

safety Ryan Clark in early July but their was a bit of mis-communication between the two sides.

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